Folding tennis racket



June 12, 1928.

J. BOENING FOLDING TENNIS RAGKET Filed NOV. 50, 1927 ATTORNEY Patented June 12, 1928.

UNITED STATES JOSEPH BOENING, OF SCOTT, SASKATCHEWAN, CANADA.

FOLDING TENNIS BASKET.

Application filed November This invention relates to improvements in tennis rackets and which embodies among other characteristics a handle foldably mounted thereon.

5 Another objectof the invention comprehends gripping portions carried by the handleadapted for engagement with the racket proper.

A further object of the invention contem- 10 plates a coiled spring adapted to provide a racket frame.

More specifically stated wires are stretched from the coiled spring, rather than strands of gut which can not be used during inclement weather.

With the above and other objects in view, the invention further consists of the following novel features and details of construction, to be hereinafter more fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings and pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is an elevation of the invention.

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken on line :22 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a detail view of the hingedly connected end of the handle member.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary elevation of one of the sections of the handle member. Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view taken through the connecting portion of the sectional handle member.

Referring to the drawing in detail, wherein like characters of reference denote corresponding parts, the reference characters and 11 indicate complemental handle sections which, as shown, are semi-circular in cross section and which when positioned for active use have the side edges there-of lying flush with the side edges of the companion sect-ion to provide a cylindrical handie member. Each of the sections being provided with depressions or pockets 12 and 13 respectively; the pocket 12 being tapered to accommodate the head of a bolt member 14 whereas the depression or pocket portion 13 is cylindrical to accommodate and permit rotation of a nut member 15 carried upon the tapped end of the bolt member 14. The bolt member is disposed adjacent the butt end of the completed handle. The sections 10 and 11, as best illustrated in Figure 2 of the drawing, are tapered inwardly toward the uppermost end thereof and which terminate to provide horizontally disposed semicircular sleeve portions 16 which are adapt- 3%), 1927. Serial No. 236,763.

ed to receive through openings 17 in the side walls thereof, a bolt member 18, the purpose of which will be presently apparent.

The frame for the racket is preferably composed of a coiled spring 19 of a com-, paratively heavy gauge. A shaft 20 extended within the ends of the spring 19 is adapted to be positioned between the semicircular sleeve members 16 and adapted to receive the bolt member 18 therethrough. The bolt member 18 when tightened will not only prevent displacement of the shaft 20 but which will also cause the semi-circular sleeve portions 16 to rigidly engage the portions of the spring member 19 therebetween and against said shaft.

Instead of stretching gut or other strings upon the racket frame or frame member 19, I have employed wires 21 which will permit use of the racket without injury during inclement or adverse weather conditions.

The improved type of racket may be manufactured in great numbers and sold at nominal cost, due to the fact that the seasonmg of lumber employed for making the frames is obviated as well as the costly and constant restringing of rackets with gut and other preparations.

It is to be noted that by loosening the bolt member 18, and removal of the bolt 14, the entire handle member, composed of the sections 10 and 11 may be folded upon the racket frame or be entirely removed therefrom when it is desired to store or carry the same, inasmuch as the sleeve portions will be free to pivot about the shaft 20 to occupy the dotted line position as illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawing.

The invention is susceptible of various changes in its form, proportions and minor details of construction, and the right is herein reserved to make such changes as properly fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Having described the invention, what is claimed is 1. A racket comprising a frame, wholly composed of a length of coiled spring, a handle for the racket, and means 'loldably mounting the handle upon the frame, being adapted to prevent. distortion thereof.

2. A tennis racket comprising a frame, said frame being composed of a length of coiled spring, a handle for the racket consisting of companion sections, gripping portions carried by each of the sections being adopted for engagement with said frame, and means for detziclnihlv connecting the gripping portions of the handle members with said frame.

3. A tennis l'tltlfli] comprising- :1 frame co1npo ed of at length of coiled spring hovin; u matting of wire stretched thereon, a handle meinlier composed of coinplelnental sections. semiwircuhir sleeve. portions horizontally disposed upon the ends of the seetioni: heme adapted for registration to provide :1 gri 'ipiirg portion for said spring, and a shaft having" connection with the ends of the spring within the gripping enclosure as defined by the semi-circular sleeve portions.

at. A tennis racket comprising a frame composed of :1 length of coiled spring having :1 muttin; of wire stretched thereon, a lo idle memher composed of eomplementnl sections. emi-cir 'ulur sleeve portions horizontzilly disposed upon the ends of the sections twillfl' zidupted for registration to proride :i 51Ii]')1 il1; portion l'or said spring. shut't hnving connection with the ends of the spring: With n the gri 'iping enclosure us defined i the .--emi-circulnr sleeve portions. and mono: tor detiu-lmhly connecting 11nd toldzihlr mounting said handle upon the frame.

In testimoiri whereof 1 Mix my signature.

REV. JOSEPH BOENING. 

